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Month: September 2024

US passport services finally enter the 21st century with online renewals

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/09/2024

American passport holders can now renew their passports online, eliminating the need for the traditional paper-based application process.  The US State Department announced that its online passport renewal system was fully operational and ready to go in mid-September.

In a move long in the making, the US State Department has joined the digital age, allowing Americans to sidestep mail-in passport renewal requests and instead process their applications via a new online service.

The system is currently only available to adult passport holders whose passports expired in the past five years or will expire within the next 12 months. First-time applicants, minors, expedited renewals and citizens living abroad will still need to follow the old method, meaning that Americans living in Monaco and elsewhere in the Côte d’Azur must continue using the paper-based process for now.

MODERNISING SERVICES

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the move is part of a broader effort to modernise passport services.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to provide the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” he said in a statement.

The new scheme is expected to benefit approximately five million Americans annually. In 2023, the State Department processed 24 million passports, around 40% of which were renewals. The online option aims to speed up the process and reduce the pressure on paper-based services, which have been facing a backlog since the Covid pandemic.

OTHER SERVICES SOON TO FOLLOW

Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and the person in charge of the nation’s passport service, says that there are plans to further expand digital options in the coming years. Potential expansions will include renewals for Americans living abroad, second and subsequent renewals, and children’s passport renewals.

“This is not going to be the last thing that we do,” she told the US media. “We want to see how this goes, and then we’ll start looking at ways to continue to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years.”

For more information, click here.

Read related:

All European visitors will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2025

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

CFM Indosuez Wealth Management donates €51,000 to Flavien Foundation

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/09/2024

The Flavien Foundation, a Monaco-based paediatric cancer charity, has received a generous donation of just over €51,000 from CFM Indosuez Wealth Management. The funds, generated through a solidarity-based client investment programme, have been earmarked for the stem cell and brain tumour research team at the Monaco Scientific Centre.

The foundation’s efforts to help fund important childhood brain cancer research have received a major boost thanks to the €51,112 cheque, which was presented to Denis Maccario, the founder of the Flavien Foundation, and the Monaco Scientific Centre’s (CSM) Dr. Vincent Picco earlier this month. The donation was made possible through a unique solidarity financing offer put forward by CFM Indosuez Wealth Management, in collaboration with Crédit Agricole CIB, which allowed clients to increase their socially responsible investments through contributions to projects that provide social value.

The CSM will be the ultimate recipient of the donation, and the funds will be used to support the team led by Dr Picco as they continue to work on alternative treatments for children suffering from brain tumours.

“Unlike cancers that affect adults, most paediatric cancers are composed of cells comparable to embryonic cells,” says Dr Picco, Research Lead Officer of the Mechanisms of Resistance to Targeted Therapies team in the CSM’s Medical Biology Department. “This suggests that a disruption in the formation of the nervous system during foetal development is responsible for their onset. However, analysing these phenomena using vertebrate study models, such as laboratory mice, is extremely complex and raises significant ethical issues.”

See more: Paediatric cancer: CSM reports encouraging results following clinical trials

To address these challenges, the CSM has partnered with Eric Röttinger’s team at the Cancer and Aging Research Institute in Nice, which specialises in the study of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. While this may seem an unusual collaboration, it is scientifically sound.

“Although these marine invertebrates have an extremely simple nervous system, their genetics are quite comparable to those of humans,” says Röttinger. “Additionally, we can perform genetic manipulations on these animals, particularly during their embryonic development.”

These characteristics allow scientists to study the onset of tumours caused by irregular genes formed early in nervous system development.

“Developing this study model will help us understand the origin and nature of paediatric cancers, with the ultimate aim of creating more specific and less toxic therapies than those currently available,” explains Dr Picco.

For CFM Indosuez’s clients, investments in schemes such as this solidarity-based programme offer them a chance to make a meaningful difference in the community.

“CFM Indosuez, the Flavien Foundation, and the Monaco Scientific Centre share a common societal ambition to support vulnerable children,” adds Mathieu Ferragut, CEO of CFM Indosuez Wealth Management. “This support also adds to Indosuez Group’s commitment to the Brain Institute in France.”

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

L-R in photo: Mathieu Ferragut, CEO of CFM Indosuez Wealth Management; Dr Vincent Picco of the CSM; and Denis Maccario, the founder of the Flavien Foundation. Photo supplied

The universes of the Ritz Paris to be auctioned at Artcurial this September

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/09/2024

Artcurial has announced the upcoming auction of nearly 1,500 exclusive items from the iconic Ritz Paris, scheduled to take place on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of September.

The collection celebrates over 125 years of history, featuring fine porcelain tableware, crystal glasses adorned with the Ritz emblem, copper kitchenware, and emblematic pieces from the legendary Bar Hemingway and the hotel’s renowned spa.

This auction offers enthusiasts and collectors the unique opportunity to own a piece of the Ritz’s storied past. Items range from copper kitchen sets and ornate service trays to the timeless “Platine” and “Impérial” porcelain collections, created for the Ritz’s 2016 reopening. Among the highlights are pieces like a set of 12 espresso cups and saucers (estimated at €200-400) and the grand banquette from the Bar Hemingway (estimated at €1,500-2,000).

Public viewings of selected lots will be held at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault on the 21st, 23rd, and 24th of September 2024, prior to the auction.

For more details about the auction and specific items, visit the official Artcurial website.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

 

Photo source: Artcurial

Football: Monaco get the better of Barcelona in the battle of the prestigious academies

by: Luke Entwistle
20/09/2024
Saimon Bouabré on the ball as AS Monaco's academy take on Barcelona in La Turbie.

Before the main event took place on Thursday evening, AS Monaco beat Barcelona (4-3) to get their UEFA Youth League campaign off to the perfect start in La Turbie.

It was one of the graduates from Monaco’s prestigious La Diagonale academy, Maghnes Akliouche, who netted the opener in the senior side’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona inside a packed Stade Louis II. The likes of Saimon Bouabré, John Tincres and Mayssam Benama dream of following a similar trajectory asthe France youth international; Bouabré in particular showed that he has the technical ability to do so in the future, but it was a strong collective performance that allowed Monaco to defeat arguably the most prestigious academy in world football – La Masia.

Besides the swathes of physical and technical quality, Djimi Traoré’s displayed their mental fortitude in a match in which they had to twice come from behind. Despite starting with intensity, it was Barcelona who took the lead through Arnau Pradas, before Hugo Alba then doubled the Spanish side’s lead from the spot.

Joan Tincres in action for AS Monaco. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

It was an uphill battle to get back into the match but Les Monégasques finished the first half with a flourish. Nick Mokabakila found Tincres at the back post and, buoyed by halving the deficit, the highly impressive Bouabré drew Monaco level with a sumptuous curling effort. That quickfire double saw Monaco head into the break level, however, there was once again a drop-off upon the return from the dressing room.

It was a lack of coordination and intensity in the press that allowed Barcelona to re-seize control of the fixture. “One of our principles of play is to try and win the ball high, go and press them,  but when you’re late in doing so, that hurts […] when you’re playing against strong sides, you have to choose the right moments to go and press,” reflected Traoré post-match.

In front of the onlooking Deco and Bojan Krkic, both legends of La Masia, Pedro Fernandez Sarmiento put Barcelona back in the lead. However, Monaco’s response was immediate. It was once again Mokabakila who found Tincres in the box, with the latter making no mistake with his finish.

Lorenzo Carvalho celebrates his match winner against Barcelona. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Then, with the game seemingly drifting towards a draw, Tincres, scorer of a brace, turned the provider, sliding through Lorenzo Carvalho, who kept his composure to put Monaco 4-3 up and secure the win. “It was a big challenge to play against a team like Barcelona […] they hurt us but we showed a lot of character; that is what I liked,” reacted Traoré.

That “character” will also have impressed club CEO Thiago Scuro, who was in attendance alongside president Dmitry Rybolovlev and technical director Carlos Aviña. Their presence highlights the continued importance of developing players at AS Monaco, and just like the former Diagonale players who shone under the bright lights against Barcelona on Thursday night, the next generation will be looking to accelerate their development over the course of this UEFA Youth League campaign – next up, Dinamo Zagreb.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Football: Monaco upset Barcelona to ensure triumphant Champions League return

by: Luke Entwistle
20/09/2024
Akliouche celebrates with his Monaco teammates as they take the lead against Barcelona in the Champions League.

It has been six years since AS Monaco were in the Champions League, and seven years since they won a match in a competition. That run came to an end against Barcelona in what was a euphoric night at the Stade Louis II. 

“I’ll have goosebumps when the [Champions League] anthem rings out,” said manager Adi Hütter pre-match. Whilst there was certainly an element of awe as Champions League football returned to a sold-out Stade Louis II, Monaco’s players quickly applied themselves to the task at hand.

In front of a star-studded crowd, which included the likes of Michael Jordan, Didier Deschamps and Prince Albert II, Les Monégasques had what can only be described as the perfect start. The same intensity that has guided the Principality club to third in Ligue 1 was on display and provoked the first key moment of the match.

Akliouche overcomes ‘goosebumps’ to give Monaco perfect start

Takumi Minamino picked Eric García’s pocket on the edge of the box. The Spaniard, almost instinctively, hauled the Japan international to the ground, leaving the referee without any choice but to brandish a red card. Monaco’s evening would get better just minutes later as Maghnes Akliouche, on his Champions League debut, cut inside and finished past a stranded Marc-André Ter Stegen.

Like Akliouche, he also admitted to having “goosebumps” during the anthem, but like his manager and the rest of his teammates, he put his emotions aside to get the job done. “I think I did what I had to this evening,” said the France U21 international.

However, nervousness kicked in. Monaco, until then, had been the underdogs; it was a tag that suited them. But they were now the favourites. The intensity dropped and Barcelona equalised.

Hütter was so concerned about Lamine Yamal running the show that he started Vanderson, a right-back, over on the left. But the Monaco full-back, in an unfamiliar position, couldn’t prevent Yamal from getting on the scoresheet. The 17-year-old, who lit up the Euros with Spain equalised with a near-identical finish to Akliouche’s just moments earlier.

Monaco had possession, were well set, but failed to create anything other than half-chances. Barcelona, who have won all five of their games in La Liga, scoring 17 goals in the process, looked dangerous on the break. “It sometimes isn’t an advantage when you have an extra player,” said Hütter. For a long time, it showed.

But with the game drifting, the Austrian manager made a game-changing intervention. Off came the ineffective Breel Embolo, and on came George Ilenikhena. Folarin Balogun then made his entrance moments later. The duo wreaked havoc and it was the former who got the winner.

Vanderson, who struggled defensively at times, picked out Ilenikhena’s well-timed run with a sublime cross-field path. The summer signing, baring down on goal then beat ter Stegen to restore Les Monégasques’ lead.

‘Winning against Barça, one of the biggest clubs in the world, makes us proud’ – Hütter

In the lead, looking for their first Champions League in 15 attempts, therewas certainly nervousness; Hütter himself admitted that there were “some situations” where that was the case, but he emphasised his side’s bravery, both pre and post-match, and that above all was on show as they held out for the three points.

“I am really proud and really happy. I am happy for the club and the fans. I think we deserved to win this match for sure tonight. Winning against Barça, one of the biggest clubs in the world, makes us proud and gives us confidence,” reacted Hütter.

“Tonight is for celebrating,” he added. It is a victory that will go down as one of Monaco’s greatest in recent history and it will be savoured. But this “brave” and youthful team looks more than capable of producing more magic moments over the course of this Champions League campaign.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: AS Monaco

British School of Monaco’s new secondary premises takes innovative approach to phones in schools

by: Niki Borisova
19/09/2024

At the inauguration of its new secondary school premises on Avenue Hector Otto, the team at the British School of Monaco unveiled their innovative approach to tackling the hot topic of the place of mobile phones in schools, which will play out in the form of a new collaborative partnership with Monaco Telecom. 

On Thursday 19th September, the British School of Monaco officially inaugurated its new secondary school premises, located in the L’Escorial building at 31 Avenue Hector Otto, in the presence of its recently appointed principal, Alan Stevens, and co-founders Luke Sullivan and Dr. Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko.

This year, the school will be accepting students in Years 7 (11 to 12 years old) to 11 (15 to 16 years old). The facilities include a science laboratory, art room, music facilities, playground, infirmary, administrative offices and a dining area.

Looking ahead, the British School of Monaco plans to introduce early years education for younger students starting in the 2025/26 academic year. Additionally, the school aims to launch the IGCSE exams in 2027 and open a Sixth Form (A-Levels) programme in 2028.

PhoneWall: a fresh take on school phones

Martin Peronnet, CEO of Monaco Telecom, joined the staff members at the inauguration and spoke of the company’s new collaboration with the British School of Monaco, which seeks to address the negative impacts of smartphone use among students.

This partnership will manifest in the form of PhoneWall, an initiative whereby Monaco Telecom will offer refurbished Nokia 3210 phones to students for a symbolic €1, plus a monthly charge of €8.99. For Monaco Telecom clients, the phone itself is free of charge.

The Nokia 3210 is a basic mobile phone that allows students and their parents to communicate during the school day, when needed, without all of the distractions associated with more advanced smartphone models.

Research has shown that excessive smartphone use among teenagers can lead to increased anxiety, decreased attention spans and other mental health issues. In response, many schools in Europe have banned mobile phones entirely on school premises or put in place stringent restrictions.

See more: Total ban on mobile phones in French schools possible by 2025

Principal Alan Stevens told Monaco Life, “I think this initiative is here to stay. This partnership between the British School of Monaco and Monaco Telecom is pioneering as, so far, schools have not found a way in which students can keep in touch with their parents and each other, they have simply banned phones.”

The Nokia 3210 models offered by Monaco Telecom as part of the PhoneWall initiative. Photo by Monaco Life

Parents who attended the secondary school’s inauguration were invited to sign up for the scheme, with one mother of a 12-year-old pupil telling Monaco Life, “I tried to set up protections on [my son’s] smartphone, but he has managed to bypass them by creating new Google accounts, so I can never restrict anything. This is where I think this PhoneWall initiative is great because he can still use a phone, just not anything beyond basic usage. I think if we do this collectively, this initiative will work.”

Those who were unable to attend the inauguration can still sign up to the scheme by visiting the Monaco Telecom boutiques on Boulevard des Moulins and Rue de Gabian.

For further details on the PhoneWall initiative or the secondary school, contact the British School of Monaco by email at contact@britishschool.mc or by calling +377 92 00 27 80.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Left to right in main photo: Dr. Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko, Luke Sullivan, Martin Peronnet and Alan Stevens. All photos by Monaco Life